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World Cup 2018

Wilshere, 26, had to withdraw from the last England squad for the friendlies with Italy and Holland and, amid ongoing injury concerns, Southgate believes he cannot take the risk.

It will be a bitter blow for Wilshere who is fiercely patriotic and loves playing for England but the Arsenal midfielder missed the final game of the season with a knock and will now use the summer to rest and get ready for next season.